Modern technology continues to reshape and evolve the way we conduct business. In both business-to-business and business-to-customer companies, the workplace continues to shift, taking advantage of mobile tech, cloud computing and the Internet to meet industry demands. These advances in technology not only help streamline costs and scale operations, but they also help offices adapt to the new normal of doing business during a global pandemic. Here are a few technologies and apps that are helping to revolutionize how we work.

Serverless Printing
A shift to leaner, more streamlined options has led to innovations in office infrastructure. Several companies are moving away from traditional workplaces that feature large bulky office equipment that are expensive and heat-generating. An office environment that takes advantage of mobile or serverless printing through a platform doesn’t need as much space for large network servers. This advanced software helps consolidate document management and other office operations. IT professionals can bring new hardware online and distribute updates easily and quickly.

Time Tracking
Payments for contract work are usually meted out regularly according to the number of manhours completed by a set of workers. Although several companies typically use a computer-based time tracking system for their employees, these systems tend to be limited, especially for remote workers. In order to make sure that work hours are being properly tracked and documented, it’s helpful to have a mobile time card app that is accessible on handheld devices. Employees don’t have to find a computer to track their hours. They can provide quick, real-time updates on which contracts workers are spending their time for better project management.

Virtual Keyboards
Although laptops were created as a portable alternative to desktop computers, carrying them around can be inconvenient and unwieldy. Sometimes the keyboard interface for a mobile device is also far from ideal. Laser keyboards come in handheld devices that can cast a standard QWERTY keyboard onto a flat surface. They work by detecting typing motions and converting them into virtual keystrokes for devices that are connected by Bluetooth. Now you have a truly portable keyboard in a device that fits in the palm of your hand.

Collaborative Whiteboards
An interactive whiteboard like Jamboard boosts your group activities with real time collaboration. While it looks very similar to a typical whiteboard, this electronic version can be linked to apps on laptops and mobile devices, improving a brainstorming session for a group of people. Participants can upload and share files from their own machines or the Internet for discussion, collaboration and real-time editing. As companies continue to move toward virtual meetings and away from paper waste, technologies like an interactive whiteboard allow for instant sharing and saving of work product.

Scheduling Meetings
Even during a time when meetings have largely moved to virtual, it can be difficult to find a time that works for all interested parties. Save yourself the back and forth with an app like Doodle. You don’t need to have an account to use this app. You can add a description of the meeting and select potential dates and times and send out invites. Recipients will see a link to the website or the app to respond concerning their availability. You can even import calendar information from invitees to see when everyone is free. There’s a chat interface for discussion about an agenda and other pertinent meeting info. Doodle is available as a free or paid app on both the Android and iOS platforms.

Changes in technology provide the opportunity to advance the way we work in terms of cost, efficiency and productivity. Apps, in particular, help leverage the portability of mobile devices and the widespread availability of the Internet to work smarter and connect people around the world. Streamlined operations and reduced costs free up resources for companies to focus on their core business and deliver a better work product. These apps and technologies also improve flexibility for employees, which can contribute to better morale and an improved work culture.